A wide range of colors and an alluring floral fragrance make freesia hard to resist. With up to eight trumpet-shaped, upward-pointing blossoms on leafless stems, freesias make delightful cut flowers that last a long time in the vase.

Freesia flowers are “zygomorphic” which just means that they grow along one side of the stem, in a single plane. When you look at a flower stalk however, you'll see that the blooms are facing upwards.

These beautiful, deliciously fragrant freesia flowers add color and fragrance to your tropical garden with such ease you'll be gald you decided to grow them.

Freesia is a genus that consists of about 14 species.

All of the 14 species of Freesia are African in origin from the family Iridaceae which are native to Africa, but are now seen growing all over in Tropical and Sub-Tropical climates.

Planting & Care

Freesia plants are easy to grow. In the fall, acquire good, healthy bulbs from a quality, reliable source. You can also plant them in early spring. Plant Freesia bulbs about two inches deep, and three inches apart. Do not plant them closer, as they will fill in over a couple years.

Freesia plants like rich, well draining soil. It is most important that the soil is not wet or soggy for extended periods of time.

Water plants only if the soil is dry a few inches below the surface. Add a layer of mulch, to keep the weeds down, and your Freesia will grow almost maintenance free.

Add a general purpose fertilizer after the flowers have died.

After the plants are done flowering, allow them to continue to grow until they die back naturally for the season. Then, you can cut the dead plants off at ground level.

Freesia Plant Propagation:

Freesia plants are grown from bulbs. Over the course of a few years, they will multiply rapidly, forming dense clumps, or masses. The plants can get overcrowded . It is best to dig up the bulbs, and separate them every 2-3 years.

Freesia can also be grown from seeds. This is done primarily by horticulturalists. It takes longer to produce flowering plants.

Tip:

Freesia are attractive in pots and containers. If you are growing Freesia in pots or containers, plant bulbs close together, so the arrangement looks full.